The carbon isotope profile (delta(13)C) around the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary is defined in central Tunisia on a section which is dated by ammonites. A positive excursion of delta(13)C that occurs in several sections from other palaeogeographic realms has also been observed in Tunisia. As this excursion is regarded as a global geochemical oceanic event, the carbon isotope profile from the oued Smara is correlated with those of Pueblo, Dover and Menoyo using the palaeontological data. The carbon isotope signature was then used to determine the position of the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary in the Tunisian section.